Maxton Charles Rice

Maxton Charles Rice, affectionately known to everyone as Max, passed away peacefully in the arms of his family on August 28, 2026, at the age of 12. For 19 months, Max faced cancer with extraordinary courage, strength, and determination, fighting hard through every challenge that came his way.

Max wasn’t defined by his illness, but by his radiant, unstoppable spirit. He lived life to the fullest, always searching for the next great adventure or something new to try. But beneath all that energy was an unusually kind and thoughtful soul. Max noticed people—especially those who might have been left out or needed a friend—and he wasn't afraid to be the one who reached out. He could make just about anyone laugh, and his huge smile had a way of changing the feeling of an entire room. No one stayed a stranger to Max for long.

Max was born in Pleasant Grove, Utah, where his story began. When he was just four months old, his family relocated to Northern California to live on a generational family property nestled among the redwoods. These redwoods became a place Max deeply loved and would cherish throughout his life. Those early years were filled with the kinds of adventures Max loved most: exploring the woods, building forts, splashing in the creek, and spending endless days with his three siblings turning the forest around them into whatever their imaginations dreamed it could be. Later, his family returned to Utah to be closer to extended family and give the kids greater opportunities in school and sports. Max flourished in Utah. He made lifelong friends, immersed himself into competitive sports, and continued doing what Max always did—making the most of every experience.

Max loved sports. He loved football and basketball, but baseball always had his heart. From the time he could walk he was throwing a ball and swinging a bat. He loved everything about the game—the practices, the competition, the tournaments and rings, the brotherhood, and simply being out on the field. He played with a quiet confidence and determination that was unusual for his age. Baseball gave Max a place to pour all of his energy, determination, confidence, and joy into something he loved—and it gave us countless hours together that we will always treasure.

Twelve years with Max was far too short, but he packed more love, laughter, adventure, and courage into those years than most people do in a lifetime. Though we are left with an impossible space where he should be, Max has not left us. He is woven into everything our family is and everything we will become—every baseball game, every adventure, every shared story, and every time we choose to live a little more bravely because of him. We know this life was not the end of Max's story, and we know we will be with him again. We love you, Max. Forever.

Max is survived by his loving parents, Kevin and Amber Rice; his three older siblings Mason, Makenzie and Marrek and his beloved Grandma, Cindy Davis. He is also survived by his loving aunts, uncles, cousins, extended family, and countless friends.

He is preceded in death by his Grandpa Mike Davis, his Grandma Jolene Rice, and his Grandpa Chuck Rice, who we know are wrapping him in love once again.

Service details:

A viewing will be held on Friday, September 11, 2026 from 6:00 pm-9:00 pm at Larkin - Riverton, 3688 W 12600 S, Riverton, UT 84065.

An additional viewing will be held on Saturday, September 12, 2026 from 1:00 pm-1:45 pm at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 5562 W 13680 S, Riverton, UT 84065. Funeral services will begin at 2:00pm.

Funeral services will be live-streamed, please click "watch services" to view.

Interment will take place at Larkin Sunset Gardens, 1950 E Dimple Dell Road, Sandy, UT 84092.

In lieu of flowers: Donations may be made in Max’s memory to the Nixon Strong Foundation to support other children and families in their fight.